Artist Matt Cliff Shares How Arlington Inspired His World Cup Poster

Published on June 13, 2025

By Office of Communication

North Texas illustrator and type artist Matt Cliff is making headlines with his bold and vibrant design for the Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Dallas Host City Poster—and Arlington played a meaningful role in his inspiration. In a recent sit-down interview with the City of Arlington, Cliff opened about how his personal experiences in the city shaped the creative vision behind the artwork.

“I spent incredible amounts of time in Arlington. It’s a place I found a lot of happiness and solace in,” Cliff said. “Arlington ends up playing a role in the artwork, inevitably, and less of a straight-on way and more of just a personal way.”

Growing up on the west side of Fort Worth, Cliff recalled special memories in Arlington—especially at the old ballpark.

“I was a massive baseball fan growing up. Back in the day, you could bring an empty can to the ballpark in Arlington and trade it in for upper deck seats. We were hurting for money, so that meant a lot to my family.”

Cliff’s design, which will be featured throughout the region leading up to and during the World Cup, captures the spirit of North Texas by combining classic and contemporary themes.

“My design was inspired by the juxtaposition of Old West culture meets modern design,” he said. “The cowboy doing a bicycle kick—I’m not a big soccer guy, admittedly, but I do know that Pele move. Historically, it’s one of the coolest things that happens in sports.”

Unveiled on April 17 at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, the poster was selected by the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee through a competitive submission process. Cliff’s bold use of color, intricate details, and regional symbolism aim to capture the pride, diversity, and passion for soccer in the Metroplex.

“I hope people see Texas. That’s the number one thing I wanted to come through,” Cliff said. “This is a symbol of something amazing coming to our region. It’s the World Cup!”

To see Cliff’s poster and learn more about the other Host City designs, visit www.dallasfwc26.com.